Atomic physics is the study of the structure of an atom, its properties, its energy states, and its interactions with different kinds of fields that surround a particular atom. Atomic physics deal with the smallest known form of matter, the atom. First discovered by Niels Bohr in 1913, he also developed a model for the atom, now known as the Bohr Model. Physicists study the atom in several different ways, such as heating them, cooling them and even speeding them up to collide. Scientists also discovered a way to split the atom apart, resulting in the production of nuclear weapons. Atomic physics and quantum mechanics are closely related.
Atoms are in general unchangeable, unless acted upon by a force that splits it. Each element is made up of atoms with the same weight and figure. Each atomic element can exist in many other states other than its original basic form. The scientific study of the atom and its general make up. Atomic physics depends greatly on particle collisions that are produced in particle accelerators. Study of atoms as isolated systems, mostly concerned with the arrangement of electrons. It is often associated with nuclear power and nuclear bombs.
Since World War II, advances in atomic physics have come at a spectacular rate. The most groundbreaking advancement resulted in physicists' ability to split the atom and create the atomic bomb. This was called the Manhattan Project and was overseen by Robert Oppenheimer. The achievements in atomic physics can be attributed to the increasing technology that has come about in the world today. New technologies have allowed for bigger and more in depth atomic models, as well as larger and larger particle accelerators.
Although the atom is the smallest particle of an element, they are not the smallest particles in existence. The smallest theoretical particles are called quarks, although they have not been formally discovered yet. Current research in the field of atomic physics is dealing with the make up of an atom including protons, neutrons, and the theorized quarks.
Surprisingly, no one has ever been able to see a single atom, even through the most powerful of microscopes. With special electron microscopes, scientists have been able to see the electron clouds of an atom, but they have yet to pinpoint a single nucleus itself.
Radiation, is the product of the weak nuclear force and simply refers to the emission of energy from an unstable atom's nucleus. The most commonly known radiations are the three main types of ionizing radiation: Alpha particles, Beta particles and Gamma waves. There is also non-ionizing radiation that is not nearly as harmful to organic material. It is these types of radiation that are used in treatments such as Chemotherapy.
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Atomic physics is the study of the structure of an atom, its properties, its energy states, and its interactions with different kinds of fields that surround a particular atom. Atomic physics deal with the smallest known form of matter, the atom. First discovered by Niels Bohr in 1913, he also developed a model for the atom, now known as the Bohr Model. Physicists study the atom in several different ways, such as heating them, cooling them and even speeding them up to collide. Scientists also discovered a way to split the atom apart, resulting in the production of nuclear weapons. Atomic physics and quantum mechanics are closely related.
Atoms are in general unchangeable, unless acted upon by a force that splits it. Each element is made up of atoms with the same weight and figure. Each atomic element can exist in many other states other than its original basic form. The scientific study of the atom and its general make up. Atomic physics depends greatly on particle collisions that are produced in particle accelerators. Study of atoms as isolated systems, mostly concerned with the arrangement of electrons. It is often associated with nuclear power and nuclear bombs.
Since World War II, advances in atomic physics have come at a spectacular rate. The most groundbreaking advancement resulted in physicists' ability to split the atom and create the atomic bomb. This was called the Manhattan Project and was overseen by Robert Oppenheimer. The achievements in atomic physics can be attributed to the increasing technology that has come about in the world today. New technologies have allowed for bigger and more in depth atomic models, as well as larger and larger particle accelerators.
Although the atom is the smallest particle of an element, they are not the smallest particles in existence. The smallest theoretical particles are called quarks, although they have not been formally discovered yet. Current research in the field of atomic physics is dealing with the make up of an atom including protons, neutrons, and the theorized quarks.
Surprisingly, no one has ever been able to see a single atom, even through the most powerful of microscopes. With special electron microscopes, scientists have been able to see the electron clouds of an atom, but they have yet to pinpoint a single nucleus itself.
Click here for Bohr Model Physlet
Radiation
Radiation, is the product of the weak nuclear force and simply refers to the emission of energy from an unstable atom's nucleus. The most commonly known radiations are the three main types of ionizing radiation: Alpha particles, Beta particles and Gamma waves. There is also non-ionizing radiation that is not nearly as harmful to organic material. It is these types of radiation that are used in treatments such as Chemotherapy.
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Safety and Health Topics: Non-Ionizing Radiation
Ionizing Radiation Fact Book
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Nuclear Physics